Sami – the indigenous people of Sweden

Sami in Boden

The Sami are an Indigenous people with their own culture, language, and traditions. Boden is part of Sápmi, the Sami cultural and linguistic region. The Sami have lived here for thousands of years. Sápmi stretches across four countries: parts of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Russia.

How many Sami?

Worldwide, there are about 80,000–100,000 Sami. In Sweden, the number is estimated at 20,000–40,000, but the exact figure is unknown as no ethnic statistics are collected.

Traditional livelihoods

Reindeer herding is common: many Sami own reindeer and hire herders to manage them. Reindeer provide meat, hides, and antlers—important raw materials. In addition to reindeer herding, there is hunting, fishing, and duodji (handicrafts and applied arts). Today, Sami also work in farming, tourism, and other professions.

Indigenous definition

Indigenous peoples are groups who lived in an area before modern national borders were established and who have a strong desire to preserve their culture. The Sami meet this definition, as they have a historical connection to Sápmi long before the formation of nation-states (3,000–10,000 years ago).

Suttes is Boden

“Suttes” is the Lule Sami name for Boden. Lule Sami is spoken in the Jokkmokk area, as well as in Arjeplog and Gällivare. Today, there are about 500 speakers. Lule Sami and North Sami are closely related and mutually intelligible.

Sami seasons

Sami tradition divides the year into eight seasons, based on changes in nature—especially important for reindeer herding:

• Tjaktjadálvve – early winter
• Dálvve – winter
• Gidádálvve – spring-winter
• Gidá – spring
• Gidágiesse – early summer
• Giesse – summer
• Tjaktjagiesse – late summer
• Tjakta – autumn

Each season has its own characteristics and descriptions.